Search SOUTH CAROLINA Sc. Property Records for Deed, Mortgage, Lien and Title Searches

  • February 19, 2014
  • Posted by: admin
  • Categories: Lien And Title Search, Property Records, Property Records Search, Property Title Search, Public Property Records, Real Estate, South Carolina, Title Reports
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Searching South Carolina Property Records

Searching property records in South Carolina involves accessing county-level records since property documents are typically filed with the county where the property is located. Here’s how to conduct searches for deeds, mortgages, liens, and title information: BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

County Register of Deeds/RMC Offices

  1. Identify the correct county: First, determine which South Carolina county the property is located in
  2. Contact the Register of Deeds office: In South Carolina, this office may be called Register of Deeds (ROD) or Register of Mesne Conveyance (RMC)

Online Search Options

Most South Carolina counties now offer online property record search systems:

  • County websites: Visit the official website for the specific county
  • South Carolina Association of Counties: Visit https://www.sccounties.org/counties to find links to each county’s website

In-Person Searches

For more detailed searches or older records:

  • Visit the county courthouse or administration building
  • Bring the property address, tax map number (TMS/PIN), or owner’s name
  • Staff can often assist with navigating the records system

What You Can Search For

  • Deeds: Documents showing property ownership transfer
  • Mortgages: Loan documents secured by property
  • Liens: Claims against property (tax liens, mechanic’s liens, etc.)
  • Plats: Property survey maps
  • Easements: Access rights across property
  • Restrictive covenants: Rules governing property use

Search Methods

When searching, you’ll typically need one of these identifiers:

  • Property address
  • Tax map number/parcel ID
  • Current or previous owner’s name
  • Book and page number (if known)

Common South Carolina County Systems

Several counties use these common search platforms:

  • IndexPro/LandmarkWeb
  • SCIGov
  • QPublic/QAlert

Professional Assistance

For complex searches or title guarantees:

  • Title companies: Can perform professional title searches
  • Real estate attorneys: Provide comprehensive title opinions
  • Abstract companies: Specialize in property record research

 

Real Estate Records in South Carolina

South Carolina maintains several important types of real estate records that provide legal documentation of property ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. Here’s an overview of the key records you’ll find:

Deeds

Deeds are the most fundamental real estate records, documenting the transfer of property ownership from one party to another. In South Carolina, these include:

  • Warranty Deeds: Offer the highest level of protection to buyers
  • Quitclaim Deeds: Transfer ownership without warranties
  • Special Warranty Deeds: Provide limited warranties
  • Tax Deeds: Document properties sold for unpaid taxes

Mortgages

Mortgage records document loans secured by real property and include:

  • Mortgage Deeds: Document the loan agreement and property as collateral
  • Satisfaction of Mortgage: Filed when a mortgage is paid in full
  • Assignment of Mortgage: Records the transfer of a mortgage from one lender to another
  • Mortgage Modifications: Document changes to the original mortgage terms

Liens

Liens represent claims against a property for unpaid debts:

  • Tax Liens: Filed for unpaid property taxes
  • Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors for unpaid work
  • Judgment Liens: Result from court judgments
  • HOA Liens: Filed by homeowners associations for unpaid dues

Plats and Surveys

These documents show the boundaries and dimensions of property:

  • Plat Maps: Official drawings showing property boundaries, dimensions, and locations
  • Subdivision Plats: Show how larger parcels are divided into lots
  • Boundary Surveys: Document property lines and corners
  • ALTA/NSPS Surveys: Detailed surveys meeting specific standards

Easements

Easements grant specific rights to use another’s property:

  • Access Easements: Provide rights to cross another’s property
  • Utility Easements: Allow utility companies to access property
  • Conservation Easements: Restrict development to preserve natural features
  • Drainage Easements: Permit water drainage across property

Public Land Records

Other important public records include:

  • Property Tax Records: Document assessed value and tax history
  • Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs): Set rules for property use
  • Zoning Records: Document allowed property uses
  • Foreclosure Records: Document property seizures for unpaid debts

Where to Find South Carolina Real Estate Records

In South Carolina, real estate records are typically maintained at the county level in:

  1. Register of Deeds Office (also called Register of Mesne Conveyance in some counties)
  2. County Tax Assessor’s Office
  3. County Clerk of Court

Many South Carolina counties now offer online access to these records through their official websites, though some older records may only be available in person. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History also maintains historical land records.

Accurate real estate records are essential for property transactions, title research, and resolving property disputes in South Carolina. Professional title searchers, real estate attorneys, and county officials can help navigate these important documents.

https://www.UsTitleRecords.com

 

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